Bracknell stoma charity puts project on hold after failing to find new home

The Ostomy Lifestyle charity left its rented property yesterday and is in urgent need of a new home.

Staff from Ostomy Lifestyle in Bracknell, who now have nowhere to operate from

A charity which has helped thousands of stoma patients has been forced to put its aid project on hold after failing to find a new base.

The Bracknell-based Ostomy Lifestyle is due to leave its rented property today and is in urgent need of a work space so it can continue to send stoma care supplies worldwide to patients in need of medical ostomy appliances each month.

Manager Sue Hale said that many ostomy patients are living in unsanitary conditions and using inadequate equipment, such as plastic carrier bags, which prevents thousands from leading a fulfilling life.

Ms Hale said: “The process of moving is terribly disappointing.

“We are no longer able to provide patients with supplies needed for survival. I have seen and experienced it all first hand. The photos, the letters of thanks and meeting families of those patients who suffer.

“People really do value the project and it improves their lives.”

Ostomy Aid has been run from Eastern Road for the past four years, however Ms Hale said the landlord has decided to rent the building out commercially due to the insufficient rates generated by the project.

One main source of donations is surplus stoma bags from the manufacturers, supplies of which are donated from all over the country.

But volunteers have been forced to package existing supplies and place them into storage while a new home is found, and have also asked hospitals and manufacturers to withhold sending supplies to the project.

They hope other charities will be able to collect some of the supplies to avoid them being moved into storage.

Ms Hale said that the project is very important to the team and moving out will be “a very sad day”.

But she added once a new building is found the team hope to relaunch the project and create links with more charities to expand the project.

She said: “We hope to make the project bigger and better and provide services to more ostomy patients to give them their dignity back.”

The project is looking for a suitable premises which needs to be approximately 700-1000 sq ft with an office, kitchen, toilet and heating and with parking for deliveries.

If you can help re-home Ostomy Aid or for more information please contact Sue Hale on (0118) 324 0069.